Painting Trends in 2026: Colours & Finishes That Sell Homes

Paint trends for houses show a dramatic transformation as we approach 2026. The “no more grey camp” has taken over, and bolder shades will replace the cool greys and beiges that ruled previous years. Next year promises to bring a rainbow of cheerful shades, ranging from soft lilac to rich plum.

Exterior paint choices reveal timeless yet trendy green as the most important colour choice. Modern Australian homeowners have moved beyond earthy neutrals to embrace playful pastels and bold combinations. These choices add warmth, light and character to homes effectively. Kitchen and bathroom designs now feature moodier colours, departing from the all-white or two-tone styles that dominated the last decade. Home exteriors express more personality through warmer tones, including rich hues like terracotta, burgundy and coral.

This piece explores colours and finishes that align with latest design preferences and boost property sales in 2026. Living rooms showcase deeper shades like midnight blue, while rich jewel-tone variations of blue and green help properties stand out in today’s competitive market. Professional painters in Newcastle and across Australia are seeing increased demand for these warmer, more expressive palettes.

Warm and Welcoming Colours That Attract Buyers

Colour selection is the key to selling homes quickly and for premium prices. Home staging experts agree that the right palette can boost property value significantly when you reshape a home’s appearance. Here’s a look at the colours buyers find most irresistible in 2026.

Earthy browns and clay tones

Sterile spaces are out. Buyers now want warmth and authenticity in their potential new homes. Earthy browns create a comforting, grounded atmosphere without sacrificing sophistication. Design experts say these tones help spaces feel more manageable, making them perfect for main living areas where buyers can imagine themselves.

Clay-inspired colours like Claytone bring character and contrast to interiors, especially when you have dining rooms and feature walls. These rich, grounded hues work beautifully with matte finishes or metal accents to create an upscale look. Nature-inspired clay colours strike the perfect balance between calming tranquillity and contemporary design, making them ideal for people who need a sanctuary from daily stress.

Caramel and soft yellow neutrals

Caramel tones have become versatile favourites that add instant warmth to any space. These golden-hued browns shine in formal areas while lighter shades like apricot work best in bedrooms and living spaces. Soft caramel colours like Caramel Ice (LRV 59.33) provide a calming backdrop that pairs well with timber floors, stone textures, and natural fabrics.

Yellow-based neutrals make excellent choices for north-facing rooms because they reflect light beautifully. Their biscuit-like warmth creates inviting spaces without overwhelming potential buyers. These golden hues remind people of sunsets and help visitors form an emotional connection with the property.

Rich reds and terracotta accents

Strategic use of rich reds can boost buyer interest significantly. Mid-tone browns and warm terracotta add a luxurious, spa-like quality to bathrooms. Terracotta (LRV 23) adds character to heritage homes and works exceptionally well as an accent colour.

People who aren’t sure about going all-in with red might want to use it on a statement wall, joinery, or woodwork. Design experts often note that Bordeaux rich reds make a great choice for kitchen cabinetry, particularly when combined with complementary warm neutrals.

Creamy whites over cool greys

Research shows warm neutrals and whites boost home value significantly. 69% of experts confirm whites lift property worth. Creamy whites create the fresh yet cosy feel buyers want, unlike their cool grey counterparts.

The crisp freshness of white gives a sense of newness that homebuyers seek and makes spaces appear larger. Warm whites bounce natural light around beautifully, creating the illusion of higher ceilings and wider walls, key selling points in today’s market.

These warm, welcoming colours give potential buyers the perfect backdrop to imagine their future lives in the space, a vital factor in securing those higher offers.

Finishes That Add Value to Interiors

Paint finish can be just as influential as colour when you sell a home. Buyers now pay close attention to wall textures, so homeowners need to know which finishes add the most value to their property’s appeal.

Matte finishes for a modern look

Matte paint finishes have become popular because of their sophisticated, velvety look. These finishes create a subtle sheen with minimal light reflection that softens glare. They work great in rooms with large windows or hallways. Matte finishes also hide surface imperfections in plaster walls well, and create a smooth, uniform appearance that feels sophisticated and calming.

Paint technology has solved many traditional matte paint problems. New formulas offer better washability and durability while keeping their elegant appearance. You can find stain-resistant and easy-to-clean options like Dulux Wash&Wear Matt and Wattyl I.D Advanced Matt. These features make matte finishes practical for busy family homes.

Limewash for texture and depth

Limewash paint creates a unique chalky, nuanced texture with an old-world romantic feel. This ancient finish ranks among the first house paints and has made a strong comeback in modern interiors. Made from high-temperature fired crushed limestone mixed with natural pigments, limewash adds character through its soft, textured appearance.

Limewash brings practical benefits too. It breathes well, contains no toxins, and stays eco-friendly with zero VOCs, which means odourless application. Its high pH level naturally fights bacteria and mould, a big plus for health-conscious buyers.

Contrasting finishes for visual interest

Different paint finishes can give rooms depth and character that single finishes can’t match. Picture a room with soft matte walls and a high-gloss feature wall in the same colour. This contrast creates rich, layered aesthetics that add interest without changing colours.

Designers now use matte painted walls with glossy trim or contrasting trim colours as a sophisticated technique. They’ve moved away from classic white trim and now use soft greys, taupe, or deep charcoals for a fresh, modern look that makes homes stand out. These finish combinations improve buyer perception of quality and design awareness significantly.

Exterior House Painting Trends for 2026

The exterior palette of your home acts as its calling card to potential buyers. For 2026, several distinct exterior house painting trends are emerging that blend timeless appeal with fresh sensibilities.

Timeless green exteriors

Green exteriors are gaining remarkable popularity, with nature-inspired tones dominating predicted trends for 2026. From earthy sage and olive to deeper forest hues, these colours create a sophisticated connection to natural surroundings. Sherwin Williams’ Evergreen Fog and Benjamin Moore’s Grey Heron offer calming yet stylish options that complement various architectural styles. These verdant shades feel especially appropriate for homes nestled in leafy environments, creating visual harmony between structure and landscape.

Greige and warm beige for kerb appeal

After years of cool greys, warmer neutrals are making a triumphant comeback. Greige, that perfect grey-beige hybrid, offers versatility across different lighting conditions and building materials. Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter and Sherwin Williams’ Alpaca provide sophisticated neutral backgrounds that pair beautifully with both dark and light accents. These warm exterior tones create an instant sense of welcome that strikes a chord with today’s buyers.

Bold front doors in plum or navy

Front doors present the ideal canvas for personal expression without overwhelming commitment. For 2026, rich navy blues and vibrant plums are emerging as statement colours that instantly raise kerb appeal. These deeper hues create striking contrast against neutral exteriors yet maintain sophisticated elegance rather than appearing trendy.

Painted soffits and trims for character

Thoughtful treatment of architectural details can transform an ordinary exterior into something extraordinary. The rule of thumb suggests porch ceilings and soffits should generally match siding colour, whereas fascia should line up with the main trim palette. For example, painted deck ceiling strapping in contrasting colours or two-toned window trim combinations highlight architectural features.

Creative Paint Techniques That Sell

Simple colour choices are not enough anymore. Creative paint techniques can boost buyer interest dramatically. Innovative approaches now turn ordinary spaces into memorable showpieces without excessive costs.

Colour drenching small spaces

Colour drenching has gained popularity as a technique to maximise visual impact. This approach involves painting walls, ceiling, woodwork, and furniture in the same hue. The technique blurs the boundaries where walls meet the ceiling and creates an illusion of more space in compact areas like narrow hallways and powder rooms. Dark colours can make a room feel larger when applied consistently throughout. The eye perceives greater spaciousness because visual breaks disappear.

Painting the fifth wall (ceilings)

Most properties’ ceilings represent untapped potential. The “fifth wall” can dazzle potential buyers and showcase thoughtful design. White ceilings are not the only option. The wall’s colour can extend onto the ceiling to create a sophisticated, enveloping effect that buyers value more and more. Bedrooms and dining areas benefit from this technique as it creates a cocooning ambiance that boosts appeal.

Matching paint to wallpaper or decor

A cohesive, high-end space that impresses buyers emerges when paint coordinates with wallpaper. The best results come from selecting wallpaper first, then choosing complementary paint. The dominant colour doesn’t need an exact match, it often looks accidental. Instead, highlight an accent colour from the pattern. Buyers appreciate this intentional design approach, which suggests a well-planned home.

Unexpected colour pairings that work

Harmonious yet bold colour combinations create memorable impressions that help listings stand out. Navy blue with pink, olive green with mustard, and lavender with chocolate brown work surprisingly well. These combinations create sophisticated spaces with personality when executed thoughtfully. Your property will stay in potential buyers’ minds amid numerous viewings thanks to these distinctive palettes.

Conclusion

The 2026 house painting trends show a dramatic move away from cool greys that ruled in previous years. Warmer and more expressive palettes now take centre stage both inside and outside homes. Creamy whites, earthy browns, and rich clay tones help potential buyers foresee their future lives. These colours boost property values and reduce market time.

Paint finishes are a vital part of creating buyer appeal. Modern matte options add sophistication and hide imperfections. Limewash brings character through texture. Different finishes create visual interest that makes properties stand out. Today’s selective buyers look for these quality and design-conscious selections.

A property’s exterior colours create the first impression. Timeless green exteriors help homes blend with natural surroundings. Warm greige and beige create instant kerb appeal. Bold front doors in plum or navy add personality without too much commitment. Painted soffits and trims highlight architectural details that add unique character.

Creative painting techniques turn ordinary spaces into memorable showpieces. Small spaces appear larger with colour drenching. Ceiling treatments make the most of the “fifth wall.” Unexpected colour combinations help properties stick in buyers’ memories after many viewings.

The 2026 palette reflects warmth, personality and thoughtful design. These elements help sell homes faster at premium prices. While trends change, these colour and finish choices show deeper changes in buyer priorities. They want spaces that feel authentic, welcoming and unique. The right paint choices do more than beautify, they turn houses into homes that buyers connect with emotionally and end up making those higher offers you want.